Trans-Atlantic Maglev Tube

Tom: Today I’m speaking to Dr Tore Jensen. He’s a civil engineer and his company is working on plans for a tunnel under the Atlantic Ocean. So, Tore, tell me about this tunnel, or tube, under the Atlantic. Are you building it now?

Dr J: No, no, we’re not building it now. That’s a long time in the future. Right now, we’re thinking about it and planning it. Another company is designing a small-scale model.

Tom: So, when will they build it?

Dr J: I think, they’ll start in 2080 and complete it in 2100.

Tom: That’s a long time in the future.

Dr J: Yes, it is.

Tom: So, where will the tunnel be? How long will it be? How deep?

Dr J: The tube will be below the Atlantic Ocean. It’ll connect the USA with Britain. It’ll be about 5000 km long and about 100 metres deep, in the ocean.

Tom: Will the tube move around in the water?

Dr J: No, it won’t move. One hundred thousand cables will attach it to the sea floor.

Tom: Will the train use electricity?

Dr J: No, it won’t. It’ll use magnetism. The tube will be a vacuum. Maglev trains will be able to travel through the tube at 8000 km/h.

Disagree with each statement.

1. The engineers will start the tube in 2020. (2080)

2. The tube will be under the Pacific Ocean. (the Atlantic)

3. The tube will connect Britain and Europe. (The USA)

4. The train will use diesel. (magnetism)

5. The tube will contain compressed air. (a vacuum)

6. The trains will travel at 11,000 km/h. (8000 km/h)

Example: 1. They won’t start the tube in 2020. They will start it in 2080.